Manganese (Mn) is an important plant micronutrient and is required by plants in the second greatest quantity compared to iron. Like any other element , it can have a limiting factor on plant growth if it is deficient or toxic in plant tissue . It is similar to iron in many ways, and manganese deficiency or toxicity is often mistaken for iron deficiency or toxicity.

Function: Manganese is used in plants as a major contributor to various biological systems including photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen assimilation. Manganese is also involved in pollen germination , pollen tube growth, root cell elongation and resistance to root pathogens.

Deficiency: Manganese deficiency symptoms, which often look like those of iron deficiency, appear as interveinal chlorosis (yellow leaves with green veins) on the young leaves, and sometime tan, sunken spots that appear in the chlorotic areas between the veins.